Xfinity takes off with the aviators

Every reunion has the potential to be special. But there’s nothing quite like a reunion of friends who have bonded through their service in the armed forces.

This year, a squadron of real aviators are reunited in a story from Xfinity and their agency, Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P). Filmed last October, the work is set to debut in May for Military Appreciation Month.

Directed by Oscar-winner Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty), the film titled The Aviators, tells the story of a grandfather anticipating the weekend reunion of his fellow US Navy veterans. As he describes the group and the experience of flying an A-4 Skyhawk jet to his granddaughter, seen through moments of flashbacks to the era, an idea sparks in her mind to surprise her grandfather’s friends with an experience they never thought they’d have: flying their jets again. But they do, thanks to the power of Xfinity Internet.

“From reunions to experiences that cannot be re-created, Xfinity Internet turns previous impossibilities into incredible new realities for people,” said Todd Arata, VP of Brand Marketing for Xfinity. “This film brings veterans back together again in the skies for an emotional reunion like no other. One so wonderfully told by a filmmaker who has made a career out of telling incredible stories of veterans - Kathryn Bigelow."

The cast features a group of real Vietnam War veterans who flew the very same jets featured in the film. Former Navy commander Jack Gillett (call sign: “Razor”), former Navy lieutenant Jim Lloyd (call sign: “Zeke”) and former Navy lieutenant Bill Moir (call sign: “Offender”) flew together as members of the Gunslingers squadron on the USS Saratoga. And the film shoot was the occasion for their first in-person reunion in 16 years. Elester Latham (call sign: “Hollywood”), a former major in the Air Force, completes the veterans group.

“It’s an honour to work with veterans,” said Bigelow about the project in a behind-the-scenes documentary that’s available on YouTube. “They’re special people who’ve devoted their lives to our security, and I feel like it’s my opportunity to give back.”

The film also represents a reunion for Bigelow and a few of her key collaborators from over the years, with cinematography by two-time Oscar-winning DP Greig Fraser (Zero Dark Thirty, Dune, The Batman, Lion and more) and sound design by three-time Oscar-winning sound designer Paul N. J. Ottosson (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty, Fury and more). It also features music from two-time Oscar winning composer Hans Zimmer (Dune, The Lion King, and more).